rap, lies and videotape

Another Year Wrapped Up

2012-01-01T12:38:00.003-05:00

Skillz has done it again. Support an unsigned artist who loves making music for the people. Cop it here.

The Heavster - 1967-2011

2011-11-08T21:11:00.005-05:00

Heavy D died today.

D'angelo back to the stage?

2011-10-29T09:51:00.006-05:00

Micheal "D'angelo" Archer, the troubled R&B singer who hasn't released an album since the end of the Clinton administration, appears to have scheduled some concert dates. The native Virginia is set to perform at the Paradiso in Amsterdam on Jan. 30 and Jan. 31., according to the venue's web site.

As any fan of the man and his music knows, dates don't mean much to D'angelo, unless he's going to court. The release date for his third album has been pushed back so many times you can't see it without a telescope. But maybe this time it'll be different. We can only hope. But how long before we turn into this guy, waiting for that wonderful, magical mythical thing that never comes?

UPDATE: When asked if the alleged dates are valid, an official representative for D'Angelo said, "Nope."

Beats, Rhymes and So-Called Life

2011-10-21T17:17:00.005-05:00

This week, Sony Pictures Classic's documentary on A Tribe Called Quest, "Beats, Rhymes and Life," comes to dvd shelves and Redbox this week. Which means it's a great time to second guess the choices of first-time director Micheal Rapport, now that we're over the joy and wonder of seeing someone treat at a hip-hop group with the same critical perspective reserved for rock bands. So, here are the top 7 things that I would've like to have seen in the movie and didn't thanks to the guy from Zebrahead.

1. Tommy Gun There was a rumor about Q-Tip and Mariah Carey back in the day. Supposedly, her husband Tommy Mattola, a record executive who allegedly knows some tough guys, got wind of this and was pissed. As the rumor goes, a contract was put out on 'Tip's life and he made himself scarce for a few months until things cooled down. I do know of a rapper who was waiting for the abstract rapper to executive produce his debut record around this time, but had to go on without him because he couldn't be found. Just so I know in case I'm on the run from the mob, where was he hiding?

2. Eye Patch Another rumor about Q-Tip, this one about an alleged altercation with Wrecks-N-Effect, a group as dated as their name sounds. Did one of their members nearly blind Q-Tip? Is that really why he wore a mask in the video for "Hot Sex"?

3. Mystery of Q We learned a lot about Phife in the film. We saw his house, his wife and his struggle with diabetes. But what about the group's leader? Q -Tip remains a mystery before and fafter the film.

4. After the Fire Selling part or all of your record collection can be an emotional experience. This guy talks about it on several of his podcasts. Imagine what it's like to have your collection, along with all of your belongings, destroyed by fire. Q-Tip knows, but he's not telling.

5. Who is Ali Shaheed Muhammad? He was almost an background artist in this film about a group he was in.

6. Beats, Rhymes and Life Rapport thought enough of this ATCQ album to name his film after it, but the film barely acknowleges its existence.

7. Rhymes & Fights Phife's brief solo career goes unmentioned, which is odd, since the director seemed driven to exploit the conflict in the band. Aside from the alleged shove in the film, Phife's video for Flawless is the only visual evidence of tribal discord.

The Honest Approach

2011-09-23T16:50:00.000-05:00

This is so wrong, it's right.

Mos Def won't be Mos Def next year

2011-09-07T17:43:00.004-05:00

Get More: Sucker Free

Mos Def has given us notice that he's changing his name in 2012. Unfortunately, his new music will still be known by it's previous name, "wack."

Infamous Interviews

2011-07-21T10:54:00.001-05:00

More than decade has passed, not since I've updated this blog, but since Mobb Deep's Prodigy and I talked. We caught up a few weeks back for this article in last week's Style Weekly. Strange headlline, huh? Peep my 1995 interview with him below.

Prodigy responds to rumor about LL Cool J's daughter

2011-06-09T11:38:00.012-05:00

Queensbridge native and half of the legendary duo Mobb Deep, Prodigy, made the top a popular gossip blog today. The site suggests that the 37-year-old's alleged online conversation with the 15-year-old daughter of LL Cool J may have been "inappropriate."

Asked about the report today, Prodigy said he hadn't heard about the story and laughed after it was explained to him.

"That's interesting," he said.

When asked for a more elaborate response, he didn't offer one.

"That is my response. 'That's interesting.'"

Cassidy Says Recent Arrest Not for Murder

2011-05-23T06:32:00.005-05:00

Cassidy Clears up Murder Charge Rumors from ALLFLAMERZ.COM

Cassidy said he isn't facing any new murder charges and he was pulled off the street from violating his probation.

Wu-Tang Advises State Government

2011-05-21T07:56:00.002-05:00

Cassidy Arrested, Suspected of Murder

2011-05-15T17:04:00.004-05:00

Cassidy was arrested for violating his probation yesterday by New Jersey Police. Police say that the rapper is also a suspect in a murder and two attempted murders in Philadelphia.

The rapper has faced serious charges before. In 2006, he was charged with murder, attempted murder, reckless endangerment, aggravated assault, conspiracy and weapons possession. He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and spent some time in Pennsylvania's Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility.

Here's the rapper in better times, appearing on Wavelength with Yasmine in 2005.

Philadelphia's Freeway

2011-04-15T21:44:00.003-05:00

Found this lingering on the hard drive of my fading G5. This is likely one of the last shoots we ever did in Richmond, where Freeway stopped while on a promo tour for "Philadelphia Freedom," in 2003.

In 2004, Freeway suffered a crisis faith after the Jay-Z retired and the incaceration of label mate Beanie Sigel. After a few years off and a trip to Mecca, he returned with sophmore album, "Free At Last." His lats project, "Philadelphia Freedom 2," was released in 2009.

DJ Megatron Shot Dead

2011-03-27T16:52:00.003-05:00

DJ and televison host, DJ Megatron was killed today in New York City. From MSNBC:

Urban radio and TV personality

DJ Megatron, who built a career at hip-hop

and R&B radio stations from Philadelphia to
Boston and told viewers of a popular music
TV show "What's Good," was shot to death
early Sunday, according to his manager and
police.

The BET cable television segment host was
killed while heading to a store near his home
on New York City's borough of Staten Island
around 2 a.m., his manager Justin Kirkland,
known as J. Smoove, said.

Police say the 32-year-old deejay, born
Corey McGriff, was found dead with a
gunshot wound to his chest. No arrests have
been made.

Captain of the Hook - Nate Dogg RIP

2011-03-23T21:14:00.004-05:00

Snoop Dogg won't be coming to my hometown this week. The 39-year-old rapper is taking some time off to mourn the passing of his friend and frequent collaborator, Nate Dogg. Nate died from congestive heart failure on March 15. He was 41.

I can't think of another singer that could leave a legacy like Nate Dogg. His trademark baritone was a vital element of the West Coast rap sound and his distinctive delivery elevated the music of one hip hop's greatest beatmakers, Dr. Dre. But listening to a local radio station attempt to pay tribute to the singer outlined the negative side of his voice. Most of his popular lyrics, usually heard as the chorus to rap hits, were bleeped out.

Nate Dogg, born Nathaniel Dwayne Hale, was a gifted singer who used his voice to talk about dicks, hoes and drugs. He made misogyny sound good. He might not have made you smoke weed every day, but he made you sing about it. He mirrored the lack of morality and irresponsibility of the rappers he worked with, echoing their adolescent fantasies of sex and violence with his melodic monotone. It was a dangerous and delicious concoction, one listeners never got tired of, no matter how many hooks he hung his bowler on.

After one of Nate Dogg's recent strokes, the news of his condition was passed on to the media by a member of Innate Praise, a gospel choir he had formed. Perhaps a Dogg can learn new tricks.

Chris Brown wrecks a Good Morning

2011-03-22T11:18:00.006-05:00

Since his court-ordered anger management classes for beating and biting R&b singer Rhianna, Chris Brown shown that he isn't equipped to handle the pressures of being a pop star. Especially one with a damaged career.

In April of last year, Chris Brown cut short an interview with one of his hometown radio station after he claimed that they weren't playing his music enough. His recent twitter targets include Wal-Mart, which he alleged wasn't selling his CDs and alleged molestation victim Raz-B, who was the target of homophobic rants from the singer.

Now this. According to TMZ, Brown "exploded in rage behind the scenes at "Good Morning America" this morning ... smashing a window and storming out without a shirt." Sources tell the web site that the singer was upset with questions from show host Robin Roberts.

If his Demolition Man haircut didn't make it clear, this young man needs help. For the rest of his career, he'll have to answer questions about his behavior, his arrest and the restraining order. But those questions will come less if you can show that they don't bother you. After today, he'll have more explaining to do.

The Ulitmate Database: The Hip Hop Word Count

2011-02-05T16:09:00.004-05:00

This could dead the hip hop trivia question. Take a listen. If you want to make it happen, kick 'em something.

Grandmaster Caz - Live on the Internet

2011-01-21T06:16:00.004-05:00

The man behind some of the verses of one of the first hip-hop songs, "Rapper's Delight," will appear on a internet radio show based here in Richmond this week. Grandmaster Caz is known for giving a book of rhyme pages to Big Bank Hank, one of the three members of the Sugar Hill Gang, who used Caz's lyrics and the rest is history.

Caz will be appearing on Go Live radio on Saturday on ustream. Listen here.

2010 is a Wrap-Up.

2011-01-02T22:08:00.002-05:00

Here is Skillz' annual recollection of current events and pop culture from the past year. It will cost you this time.

Son of Bazerk Drops Video

2010-11-23T22:35:00.002-05:00

The visual compliment to cutting edge rap group's return to the game, "I Swear on a Stack of Old Hits."

Does the world need more Skillz?

2010-11-01T00:24:00.005-05:00

Skillz "Celebrate Life" (Live) from on <">Vimeo.

It's the end of the year and there's new Skillz material. But it's not the annual list of celebirty slip-ups set to music that he's known for. Instead, it's a full fledged album, "The World Needs More Skillz"

The footage above is from the record release party in Norfolk, Va.

Hip-Hop's Greatest Album Cuts, Pt. 5

2010-10-29T06:31:00.005-05:00

The final five.

5. "What a Mess" Xzibit Man vs. Machine
Xzibit has great songs. They're just spread out over all of his albums, hiding behind songs that aren't very good, unlike this one from "Man Vs. Machine." The X-man's collaboration with DJ Premier is a state of the union for hip-hop in 2002 and reminds us all that rap music has been a mess for a long, long time. X's justifiable anger and frustration are amplified by Primo's production, chock full of shredded samples and funky breaks.

4. "I Inherited The World" Mad Skillz From Where???
This song (from "From Where.") isn't some "I Am Legend," last man in the world-type stuff, as the lyrics would lead you to believe. I hear a young artist, a long way from home and wondering what's next as he began his new life alone. The Sean J. Period-produced track fuels this song about trappings of success, which keeps some people chasing their dreams and others running in the other direction.

3. "Shabba Doo Conspiracy" Chino XL Here to Save You All
Chino XL's "Here to Save You All," is an album littered with pop culture references that aren't as cool or clear as they were in 1996. But this gem of a track with Kool Keith has aged gracefully. Overflowing with vulgar punchlines and wicked wordplay, Chino and Keith curse the artistic corruption of gangsta rap using the career of dancer/actor Adolfo Quiñones as a metaphor. Unlike some of the rappers who have songs on this list, Chino and Keith still haven't gone pop.

2. "Standin' on the Korner" Young Black Teenagers Young Black Teenagers
Yeah, there was a lot wrong with the Young Black Teenagers concept. They weren't teenagers, they weren't black. But they could rap. The YBT used old school vocal techniques on this track and surrounded them with Bomb Squad production, elements I'm equally partial to. If Cold Crush had been steady making music into the 90's, it might've sounded something like this.

I'm still lookin' for a clip of this one.

1. "Gutfest '89" Digital Underground Sex Packets
Shock G voices three characters on this song (none of whom wear a prosthetic nose) and convincingly carries on a conversation with himself over manufactured mayhem. The song might be based on a fictional event, but the music is as real as good hip-hop it gets. Tommy Boy had the nerve to leave this off the initial CD release of "Sex Packets."

Hip-Hop Greatest Album Cuts Pt. 4

2010-10-19T21:21:00.003-05:00

6. "What's the Difference" Dr. Dre The Chronic 2001
Critics of Dr. Dre say his sound is dependent on the contributions of others, like this Mel-Man-assisted track from his 1999 comeback album. But whatever Mr. Young does in the studio, whether its sequencing, tweaking, filtering or straight jacking, it works. Mid-way through his sequel to his best-selling debut, Dre dishes on his personal relationships with The D.O.C., Easy E and presumbably, Ice Cube over a thick bassline and fractured horn hit. After a misstep with The Aftermath compilation, this song helped make the difference for The Doctor.
We're almost done counting down the songs that make good albums great and terrible albums almost listenable.

7. "She Watch Channel Zero" Public Enemy It takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Back in the days when albums had sides, it was important to sequence songs carefully to prepare the listener for what's next. After the sonic onslaught of this song from "It Takes a Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back," you were prepped for the second set of Public Enemy's greatest work. This little number is an indictment television's influence on society atop a Slayer sample and a James Brown beat.

8. "Children's Story" Black Star Black Star
Heeere we go. One of the many shining moments on the sole Black Star album, Mos Def flips Ricky Walter's script about a kid gone wrong to fit his tale of a rapper gone pop. A rare rap remake that builds on the legacy of the original.

9. "Oodles of O's" De La Soul De La Soul is Dead
De La Soul resurrected themselves with this song's hypnotic bassline, quirky samples and Trugoy's uncoventional flow. "Oodles," introduced "De La Soul is Dead," a record that redefined the Long Island trio's career, signaling the end of the daisy age and the death of innocence.

Best Hip-Hop Album Cuts, Day 3

2010-10-13T20:45:00.003-05:00

My run down of the best hip hop album cuts of all time continues.

10. "Black Woman" Jungle Brothers Done by the Forces of Nature
In 1989, the Jungle Brothers released this valentine to African American woman. It's hard to hear this record without thinking about your moms, your wife, your girlfriend or the cafeteria lady from high school. The JB's were unashamed to offer women praise and adoration while their peers degraded them with and name-calling and cheap insults.

Jungle brothers - black woman

11. "MC Lyte Likes Swingin" Mc Lyte Lyte as a Rock
Even before he produced a group called De La Soul, it was clear Prince Paul wasn't a typical rap producer. This track begins with a sample that sounds like an interlude from a 70s game show and quickly morphs in to a hip hop delight, with upstart spitter Lana Moorer going for broke over a delicious break beat. Swing on this: Like 'Good Vibrations', I'm like Sunkist/The rap is smooth, 'cause it's sealed with chapstick/Not gonna say that I been rappin' since the day of birth/But I've acquired the knowledge like Ms. Butterworth.

12."Sons of 3rd Bass" 3rd Bass The Cactus Album
If you mistook Pete Nice, MC Serch and Richie Rich for Def Jam's replacements for the Beastie Boys, this song showed you how wrong you were. The three decimated the party boys turned art rappers with poetic put-downs and and verbal affrontery. The song let it be known that the trio would have much more than to offer on "The Cactus Album" besides their exciting first single.

13. "Just About Over" Goodie Mob Still Standing
After hearing this, it was clear that not only was Cee-Lo the best rapper in the Goodie Mob, he was something else entirely. Appearing on a single verse and the hook of this rocking guitar-driven track, he narrates an stirring meditation on fear and loneliness. All the other guys had to do was show up. Just about over? More like just getting started.

25 Choice Cuts, Day Two

2010-10-12T21:17:00.003-05:00

The list continues.

14. "Please Listen To My Demo" EPMD Unfinished Business
Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith shared the story of their humble begininings over a breezy loop that was a stark contrast from the hardcore sound of "Unfinished Business." Rappers don't always tell the truth, but this song has a degree of validity and humility that's audible.

15. "Grand Puba, Positive, & L.G." Brand Nubian One For All
This track is so infectious and funky there was no need for a clever title. Grand Puba shines on this cut from the street classic without his Brand Nubian brothers. Positive & L.G. filled in nicely and had you wishing more songs were a lot like this.

16. "Represent" Nas Illmatic
The centerpiece of one of hip hop's greatest albums. Nas conveys of the harsh realities of urban life over DJ Premeir's trademark boom-bapstic production. With casual references of rap beefs ("Before the BDP conflict with MC Shan/Around the time when Shante dissed the Real Roxxane") Nas pulls you into his state of mind and doesn't let go.

17. "Drink Away the Pain (Situations)" Mobb Deep feat. Q-Tip The Infamous
An jazzy ode to alcoholism disguised as just another street story from the Queensbridge duo, taken from "The Infamous." Q-Tip shares production credit and offers a artful verse that appeals to both the fashion conscious and criminal minded. "Daney take me away, Daney take me away."

18. "So Far To Go" Common featuring D'Angelo Finding Forever
Produced by the late J. Dilla, this track is a welcome shift on the Kanye West-dominated "Finding Forever." I'd like to pretend this song proves the reclusive R&B singer featured on the hook still has it, but the track was several years old when it was released here. It's timelessness is a testament to the extraordinary talents of the producer and the artists.

19. "Thirtysomething" Jay-Z Kingdom Come
The former Def Jam CEO birthed adult contemporary rap with this track from "Kingdom Come." Over a Dr. Dre beat, Mr. Carter welcomes the wisdom that comes with aging and makes it sound cool to be older that Lil' Wayne. A bold stance to assume in the face of hip hop's relentless youth movement.

25 Choice Cuts, Day One

2010-10-11T21:14:00.007-05:00

"There used to be pride in the album cut ... " - Chuck Creekmur CEO, of Allhiphop.com

I've been holding on this post for the longest. I thought I better let it go before someone else does it better. Here are 25 of the greatest hip hop album cuts, some are parts of classic efforts, others are forever trapped among the duds of a wack release.

I'll be updating this list airday this week.

20. "Story Of My Life" The Marxmen (M.O.P.) Marxmen Cinema
The aggressive energy of the Mash Out Posse is contagious. Not even the R&B chick who sings the hook on this guitar-driven track, "Tanya" is immune. By the end of the number she's cursing along with the duo and nearly takes over this mixtape track. M.O.P. has perserved in an industry that doesn't seem to have a place for them and that's their story.

21. "The Doo-Wop" LL Cool J Bigger and Deffer
What was it like to be LL Cool J back in 1987? Mr. Smith breaks down the lifestyle of a rap star atop a Platters' loop and Cut Creator's scratches. The song takes us through a day in the life of the young, black and fabulous: wearing Devon cologne, eating cornflakes, wham-bamming freaks with minks and making more money than your Dad. The song ends with a unexpected moment of humility as Cool James admits it was all a dream.

22. "I'm Only Out for One Thang" Ice Cube & Flavor Flav Amerikkka's Most Wanted
Perhaps the first clue to the general public on how wild Flavor Flav really was. Turned loose on a Bomb Squad track with South Central's illest, Flav sounds like 90s era Donald Goines without the subtlety. This shade of Flav closed the first side of this record and confirmed that Ice Cube's debut as a rap landmark.

23. "Kick in the Door" The Notorious B.I.G. Life After Death

The late Christopher Wallace wore suits and rhymed over R&B loops, but his street cred was never in question. Songs like this one are the reason why. Biggie eclipses the rappers that inspired him with ferocious wordplay and DJ Premier's prodigious production. The music starts after the skit, around 1:14.

24. "Word From Our Sponsor" BDP Criminal Minded

This track follows "Wadadang," one of the first hip-hop songs to show a strong jamaican influence. That songs' patios and Krs-ONE's attempt at singing were a bit of jolt, but after a few seconds of "Word From Our Sponsor," you were reminded that you were listening to something special. KRS takes a trite phrase from the early days of television and makes it an anthem for his life and mission.

25. "On the DL" The Pharcyde

The title of this song reminds us all how the media destroyed a perfectly good catch phrase when they gave it a slightly different meaning. We all have our secrets, but the Pharcyde's confessions are just unlikely and unusual as their debut, "Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde." J. Swift's jazzy production is perfect landscape for the group's secret shames and dark desires.

Thanks to NAStalgicHipHop, OriginalHipHopMusic, onlyrealhiphop12, HungaRealG, sodr2

Stone Cold Rhymes

2010-10-11T20:59:00.003-05:00

The new Son of Bazerk and No Self Control album is out. I'm looking forward to a physical copy, but itunes or Amazon will do for now.

Skillz: Call Him Crazy

2010-09-23T06:27:00.003-05:00

Skillz is still at it. This is the first video from his forthcoming album, "The World Needs More Skillz," shot in part the Richmond institution and tourist trap, Croaker's Spot.

WOWI's DJ Law Dead

2010-09-20T18:05:00.004-05:00

Virginia's music community lost one of its most popular and constant voices over the weekend. DJ Lawrence “Cool DJ Law” Brown died after suffering a heart attack on Sunday. The 40-year-old radio personality had been a fixture on 103 Jamz in Norfolk for many years.

Law is survived by his wife, mother, father and sister.

Bazerk in Boston

2010-08-10T09:17:00.003-05:00

Son of Bazerk started their run as the support act for Public Enemy's tour at House of Blues in Boston last night.

Trey Songz Show Tanks on BET

2010-08-09T09:22:00.005-05:00

A month ago, former music industry executive Kevin Liles was on a roll. The former Def Jam records president received the "Medaille de la Ville de Paris," for hip-hop's cultural contributions to the French capital on July 8. A few days later, he wed a fairly attractive woman named Erika Jones in Birmingham, Liles has had a lot of success in his life, (and you can too, if you buy this.), but I would think that first week of July will have to be one of his best ever. Congrats, Kevin. But it's August now, so don't expect it to be as hot as July.

Liles, who at a low point in his career regularly returned my phone calls, left his record company days behind him and is now the manager of Virginia singer Trey Songz. The popular R&B artist, born Tremaine Aldon Neverson, has a reality show called "My Moment," on BET. The show recently received a unique distinction, as the lowest rated show on cable televison on Aug. 4., according to Shadowandact.com. That's a staggering feat, when one considers just how many cable channels there are. It's doubly bad news for Liles, who was planning other reality show projects.

Like most of America, I haven't seen the show and probably never will. So if you have witnessed this historic program, please let us know. What when wrong with Songz?

She's a Scene Stealer

2010-07-15T06:49:00.003-05:00

BET Videos

Former Wavelength host Yasmine Weaver appears in this recently released short for BET's Lens on Talent Scene Stealers.

Black Eyed Baptist

2010-07-07T20:30:00.007-05:00

Years ago, a young man came to the campus newspaper I edited in Richmond, Va. and pretended to be a journalist. I had my suspicions about his motives, but I needed help so bad I couldn't afford to picky. Besides, how dangerous could a guy wearing sandals and wishing everyone "peace and blessings" be? He would later admit he posed as music journalist to meet other musicians, a ruse that eventually paid off.

While waiting around for an Outkast interview, the artist now known as Jean Baptiste struck up conversation with Will.I.Am and they stayed in touch over the years. After the Roots-style hip hop band he led disbanded, Baptiste headed to he left coast and went to work with Will, doing music production. The above clip features Jean on vocals along with Kelis, whose new album features his work. The clip underneath is the stuff he used to do while trying to make a name for himself in Richmond and Philadelphia.

Soulz on Ice

2010-06-19T16:15:00.006-05:00

Not many rappers have been able to escape the gravitational pull of Richmond's local music scene. A decade after his debut on Atlantic/Big Beat, Skillz is still the only rap artist from the city to drop more than one record on a major label.

Two duos came close to establishing themselves; Shadez of Lingo, who dropped a album on Capitol in 1994, and Dirty Soulz, a group backed by Richmond's favorite musical son, D'angelo. The latter group never released any music, despite being signed to East/West and appearing in The Source magazine. Their label lost interest in them for some reason and let them go. The music they created never saw the light of day and allegedly lives in a closet somewhere at Micheal Archer's house.

Enjoy one of the few songs from Dirty Soulz that you'll probably ever hear, an ode to masturbation set to a popular Christopher Wallace tune.

Gary Shider, P-Funk Vocalist Dies

2010-06-16T19:07:00.004-05:00

Gary Shider, one of the original and signature of voices of P-Funk died today. Shider had been battling cancer for several months.

They're Here: Bazerk Single Drops

2010-05-16T20:11:00.004-05:00

It's finally here. The new Son of Bazerk single "I Swear on a Stack of Old Hits." is available at slamjamz.

Can Her Marriage be Saved?

2010-05-09T20:38:00.003-05:00

Yasmine Weaver is the former host of Wavelength, the failed video show that inspired this blog. Since her exit from the show, she's kept busy, but I think this spot for Ladies Home Journal might be a turning point for her. Lucky dog.

Full Clips: The Gangstarr Files

2010-05-08T11:02:00.013-05:00

Here's every appearance of a member of the Gang Starr clique on Wavelength, the failed video show that inspired this blog. The last clip, a long talk with Guru and Premier hasn't been seen since it originally aired in 1992. For more on these interviews, with Big Shug, Jeru Da Damaja, DJ Premier and Guru, hit the links like Gary Player.

RIP Guru.

Gang Starr 2003

Jeru Da Damaja - 1996

Big Shug - 1996

Gangstarr - 1992

RIP GURU.

Rap Legend Guru Dies

2010-04-20T06:41:00.006-05:00

MTV UK is reporting that Guru, one half of the legendary rap duo Gangstarr, died yesterday. The channel's web site says that the rapper suffered with cancer secretly for several years.

After Guru slipped into a coma on March 2, knowledge of his condition became public. Information about his health was hard to obtain as family and friends fought over access to the 43-year-old rap vet. It was a unfortunate public battle, waged with over twitter, youtube, press releases and radio interviews. It is also one that will also likely continue, given that his producer has him writing a letter from the grave, but that's not where my focus is right now.

Gangstarr was one of the most consistent rap groups of all time. They maintained a formula for their music over the course of six albums, but never fell victim to the law of diminishing returns that plague other acts. While some artists see their careers as a sprint, Guru & Premier were long-distance runners, building endurance with each journey. The left behind a track record that is untouchable.

Gangstarr appeared on the failed video show that inspired this blog twice. You can read about there first appearance here and here. Watch the second here.

Defari Focused Daily in '99

2010-04-16T21:05:00.002-05:00

Even in 1999, a former high school teacher seemed out of place in a the hip hop world. Now that the industry has tilted sharply toward ignorance and indulgence, it's hard to fathom a rapper who would confess to having an education ( Defari has his master's from Columbia) and teaching experience. But then again, some people think being a former corrections officer is no big deal.

Defari was promoting his first album ("Focus Daily") when we met him in 1999 on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University. I remember enjoying album and regretting that I gave it away to one my associate producers. He would release two more albums, the last one, "Street Music." in 2006.

Not sure what he's up to these days. We could use someone like him right now. Dumb rappers need teachin'.

David Mills 1961-2010

2010-04-04T14:08:00.006-05:00

I met David Mills in 1997. He was working on a book about Parliament Funkadelic and I had just graduated college. We were both in Cleveland for the band's induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Once David found out I wasn't just a funk fan, but a writer as well, we exchanged information. We kept in touch via a funk newsgroup that was popular at the time, but once that fizzled, we rarely touched base. I found him again a few years ago on his blog, undercoverblackman.

Since Dave's death a few days ago in New Orleans, much has been written about him and his writing. He wrote scripts for E/R, Homicide: Life On The Street, The Wire as well as news and music articles for The Washington Post and Wall Street Journal. One article he wrote changed the course of popular culture. While working for The Washington Times, Mills interviewed Public Enemy's Professor Griff and reported some anti-Semitic comments the group's "minister of information" made. The fallout from the article gave weight to the band's critics and Griff was ultimately booted from the group. Bitter PE fans still refer to this as "Enemygate."

Back then, as a die hard PE fan, I often wondered what kind of brother would let Professor Griff hang himself like that, considering the incredible impact the group had on black popular music. One day I realized that the David Mills I knew was the David Mills. As readers of his blog will remember, David's politics were a tad right of center and he viewed black nationalism as failed ideology. He posted on white supremacy web sites and they sometimes commented on his. One commenter on his blog charged that they shared some of the same views.

David's blog was one of the few that I frequented that didn't reinforce my own opinions and notions. His writing challenged me to think and rethink my positions. I rarely budged but sometimes he could sway me just a little. I'll miss that.

Wyclef Jean's Mistress is a Charity Case

2010-03-13T08:18:00.004-05:00

You have to hand it to Wyclef Jean. Just as the Chile earthquake threatened to make the Haiti disaster vanish from the front pages, he continues to make news, keeping his homeland and its struggle on our minds. Unfortunately, his reputation continues to suffer body blows and we find out more about the charity organization called Yele Haiti.

In addition to recent allegations of mismanagment and unpaid taxes, Jean's charity is now accused of funnelling $105,000 to Zakiya Khatou-Chevassus, a woman who is allegedly the guitarist's mistress.

From the Miami-Times:

That $105,000 represents about one-third of all management and general expenses Yele paid out in 2008.

A Gawker source also says that's about three times what Suzie Sylvain, the program director, earned even though she's credited with keeping Yele running and planning the charitable efforts.

D'Angelo Arrested in New York

2010-03-08T07:18:00.008-05:00

Former R&b superstar D'angelo was arrested in New York Saturday after he allegedly approached a female police officer for sex. He was reportedly cruising the West Village area when he made contact with a woman, offering $40 for oral sex, according to reports.

In the photo above, the artist formerly known as relevant leaves Manhattan Criminal Court.

via New York Post

DJ Premier Speaks

2010-03-06T09:01:00.003-05:00

This is first official statement regarding the condition of his former partner, Guru.

Listen.

What's Really Going On with Guru?

2010-03-06T07:15:00.005-05:00

The news that legendary rapper Guru of Gangstarr lay in coma in a New York hospital last week was shocking. As the story unfolded days later, it got stranger and stranger.

In addition to being a substandard producer, Solar, Guru's friend and business partner appears to be as shady as a lady in a mustache. He's reportedly barred some of Guru's family members from seeing him and issuing statements in his name. Recently he's taken to twitter, where "Guru" has been leaving tweets very similar in syntax and content to Solar's own comments. He issued a press release with quotes from Guru that just don't sound right. There have been some other unusual developments as well.

Statik Selektah raises some important issues in this video.

Pray for Guru.

Moments of Truth from Guru's Nephew

2010-03-03T18:07:00.003-05:00

Guru's nephew Justin Nicholas-Elam Ruff details the drama behind his uncle's hospitalization. This is not easy to watch.

Gang Starr's Guru in Coma

2010-03-01T07:08:00.004-05:00

DJ Premier confirmed yesterday on a radio programs that, Guru, his former partner in the group Gangstarr, is in a coma. The rapper reportedly suffered a heart attack in New York City yesterday and fell into a coma. Premier added that Guru is scheduled for surgery soon.

The duo appeared to have broken up after 2003's "The Ownerz," but their may have been a reconciliation, according to a recent report in The Guardian. The UK media outlet claims that Guru recently hinted on twitter that new Gangstarr music was on the way.

Robert 'Chilly B' Crafton III, of Newcleus Dead

2010-02-27T08:33:00.003-05:00

Newcleus-Jam On It

DIAZ | MySpace Video

From the Newcleus myspace page:

Newcleus co-founder, writer, rapper, singer, keyboardist and bass player Robert Crafton III p/k/a Chilly B has passed away due to complications from a massive stroke. The stroke had left him brain dead and in a coma. On Tuesday, February 23rd the decision was made to remove him from life support and he passed on not long after.

Chilly B's signature moments were his classic verse from "Jam On It", his funky bass guitar licks from "Jam On Revenge (The Wikki Wikki Song)", and his booming deep vocal and sizzling synthesizer solo from "Computer Age (Push The Button)".

In recent years he was involved in independent production, including working on a new Newcleus album, and touring with Newcleus.

He is survived by his wife Valerie and his sons Justin, Jason, Joshua and Isaiah.

Hip-Hop Eats Its Young

2010-02-25T18:49:00.010-05:00

Lil Bow Wow continues to escape the curse of the child rapper that befell his predecessors. While Kriss Kross, Illegal, A+, Chi Ali, Another Bad Creation and Da Family are frozen in time on the back of a milk carton, the former 13-year-old genius has a hefty discography (six albums) and a few movie roles under his belt.

Recently, he's been in the news for his reckless use of social media and a Lamborghini a few months back. The rapper allegely tweeted while driving drunk, about being drunk. "Face numb," he posted. "im whippin the lambo. Tispy as fuck. Just left @livmiami." And later: "Im fucked up!!! Ohhhh damn. Y i drive the lambo. Chris might have to drive after next spot."

He apologized later. But while he may have stopped driving while tipsy, he kept on tweeting. In January, he got into a twitter beef with his mother, who he mentions in the video above. Rapper Fabolous has also been a target of the tart tweets from the pint-sized rapper. He's also twittered comments that have led some to beleive he was suffering from depression. Earlier this reportedly paid The Game a $100,000 after losing a Madden game.

In this brief interview I shot for another video show, Lil Bow Wow doesn't do anything to embarrass himself. He was saving that for later.

Skillz Rap Up Video Surfaces

2010-01-31T09:58:00.001-05:00

Just came across this clip for the rap-up.

Chuck D Assembles Rappers for Hati Project

2010-01-31T08:46:00.005-05:00

Public Enemy frontman Chuck D pulled together some of the artists from his Slam Jamz label, along with Son of Bazerk, to produce a album called KOMBIT pou HAITI (“coming together for the good of Haiti”).

The idea for the album was conceived in the hours after the disaster. “I think that in this age of technology and communication we can come together with extraordinary urgency to address an emergency like this,” said Chuck D. “Since many cannot be there to physically help, the gift of music is something that realized we can give for fundraising efforts." Proceeds from the sale of KOMBIT pou HAITI benefit the Lambi Fund of Haiti, an organization dedicated to helping Haitian communities rebuild and recover through building economic community enterprises.

Here's a track listing:
1. This Bit of Earth Mistachuck featuring Kyle Jason and DJ Johnny Juice Rosado 2. Help Is On The Way Heet Mob 3. Knockin' On The Lord's Hi-Coup 4. Find My Way Home Kyle Jason 5. Faith Dontique 6. La Misere Lowdown 7. Why Y'all Wanna Kill GOD? Professor Griff featuring The Seventh Octave 8. Raise Up Son of Bazerk 9. Candela Pa'lo Monte

Get KOMBIT pou HAITI on iTUNES

Rapper Apache Dies

2010-01-22T15:20:00.004-05:00

Former Flava Unit MC and Queen Latifah ghost writer Apache died today. The rapper was known for his Q-Tip produced hit "Gangsta Bitch."

I met Apache at the apex of his popularity, when his single was hot and he was in demand. It's probably not a good time to tell that story, so let's just think good thoughts.

Wyclef Gives the 411 on Yele Haiti

2010-01-17T08:20:00.008-05:00

Former Fugee and guitarist Wyclef Jean might be the most famous living Haitian. So when an earthquake ravaged Port Au Prince recently, killing thousands of people, many eyes turned to the singer. But some of those looking at Jean's charity organization, Yele Haiti, did so with a critical glance.

The Smoking Gun reports that the organization has been lax in filing its records with the Internal Revenue Service. It also alleges that some of the charity's funds have been channeled to businesses that Jean controls: As seen on the following pages from the foundation's 2006 tax return, the group paid $31,200 in rent to Platinum Sound, a Manhattan recording studio owned by Jean and Jerry Duplessis, who, like Jean, is a foundation board member. A $31,200 rent payment was also made in 2007 to Platinum Sound ... The recording studio also was paid $100,000 in 2006 for the "musical performance services of Wyclef Jean at a benefit concert." The return, of course, does not address why Jean needed to be paid to perform at his own charity's fundraiser. But the largest 2006 payout--a whopping $250,000--went to Telemax, S.A., a for-profit Haiti company in which Jean and Duplessis were said to "own a controlling interest."

The Better Business Bureau, based in Arlington, Virginia, is also looking into Yele Haiti: In 2007, the foundation's spending exceeded its revenues by $411,000. It brought in just $79,000 that year. "It's questionable. There's no way to get around that," said Art Taylor, president and chief executive of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.

In the above video, the singer denounces the reports and explains that charities have operating expenses, like other organizations. He doesn't deny any specific aspects of The Smoking Gun's report, though he does address why Yele Haiti didn't file tax returns for a few years. Let's hope a more detailed explanation is forthcoming and Wyclef is not in real big trouble. In the meantime, people still need help.

Donate.

Son of Bazerk Spring into Comeback

2010-01-09T22:22:00.006-05:00

That Son of Bazerk reunion I've been blogging about? It's real. Bazerk, Daddy Raw, Half Pint and Almighty Jahwell have been in the studio with P.E. sound provider Johnny Juice and have set a March 2010 release date.

"We are about 10 songs deep," Juice said in a post on a fairly reputable web site. " It's like if they never left."

It's The Rap Up. (Uk Edition.)

2009-12-31T17:28:00.001-05:00

British rapper Mystro attempts his own wrap up, focusing on events that happened across the pond. Should he try again next year?

It's The Rap Up.

2009-12-29T17:52:00.007-05:00

The last song to be released in 2009 is here. Skillz dissects another year in music and entertainment. Dig it.

Skillz - Wrap Up 2009

Robbery suggested as motive in rapper's shooting

2009-12-25T08:27:00.005-05:00

The Richmond Times-Dispatch says that the two men who entered the recording studio where Michael R. Mitchell, 30, aka "Mike Ezie," was on Dec. 23 were trying to rob him.

Authorities said two males went into the building and left after Mitchell was shot. It was unclear what, if anything, was stolen. No arrests have been made.

UPDATE: Joseph Michael Rodriguez, Jr., 20, was found guilty of slaying Michael R. Mitchell, known as "Mike Ezie," on July, 14, 2010.

South Richmond Rapper, Mike Ezie, Dies

2009-12-24T07:37:00.008-05:00

Police are still withholding the name of local rapper killed in a recording studio last night. But sources say the victim was known as "Mike Ezie," a member of a collective of emcees known at the "Young Richmond Outcasts." Their songs include "Weirdo Stank," "Let the Cops Know Everything," and "My Buddy and Me." The group, which consists of ChiChi the Kid, Heir Borne, Jwrek, Jaesen K, Jay Dash, Real and Mike Ezie, incorporated the logo and spelling from the Atlanta rap duo, "Outkast."

One of his relatives spoke to the Richmond Times Dispatch: "This building was his life," White said on a snow-covered street outside Glenncroft. "He lived a superstar life right here in his own town. He didn't need Hollywood -- he had Hollywood right here."

The clips for "Boogie" and "By Myself," follow.

Richmond Rappers "Get" Locked Up

2009-12-16T07:16:00.010-05:00

When today's Richmond Times-Dispatch announced that a group of local rappers had been arrested, I was skeptical. Did the cops find a CD-R with the name of a gang written on it in and assume that they had busted the next G-Unit? Well, not this time. "Get Money Green Brothers," sentenced yesterday, were certified aspiring artists, with myspace page, videos and a profile at garageband.com.

According to the Times-Dispatch report, the three members, "Big Get It,"P Get It" and "Little Get It" were allegedly "getting large quantities of cocaine, redistributing it in the Richmond area, and using the proceeds to support their music venture." Their conviction was the result of a four-year investigation, the article states. Some of their songs include, "I See U Looking,"Where Dey At," and "Disco Ballin'."

Here's some video from their myspace page. This is the clip for "Disco Ballin'"

Let's go shopping with the crew.

Here's what our local media had to say.

Check out the Phifer

2009-12-09T19:37:00.005-05:00

Former Tribe Called Quest member Phife is respectful and polite in this 1999 discussion about the dissolution of one of hip-hop's greatest groups. But by the time he finished his solo debut, the five footer was singing a different tune about one of his former bandmates. He mocked Q-Tip's new look in his video for "Flawless," rocking an afro wig and purple bandanna for comic effect. If that wasn't enough, the lyrics included jabs at the group's former frontman: "Sing ballads if it's all about the Maxwell look ... Or a purple bandanna cause it matches your shawl?/Now tell me, what you rhymin' for?/This shit is all about flows, fuck a fashion show." If he felt that the commercial curve Tip's solo work took was tarnishing their legacy as a solid hip-hop crew, it would certainly be a valid concern.

Phife, after his lukewarm first release, faded away from the hip hop scene for awhile. He recently made news when he recovered from a kidney-related ailment and when the crew was honored by VH-1. In addition, he's featured on a mixtape tribute to De La Soul, which can be had here, and he video blogs over here.

DJ Peachez, Richmond DJ, Dies

2009-11-25T19:16:00.005-05:00

Terika Grooms, aka DJ Peachez died at an area hospital today after a brief illness. I'm not the target audience for contemporary urban radio, so I had no idea who she was until recently, when I heard she was sick via facebook updates from a friend yesterday. You can learn about her life at reverbnation.com:

DJ Peachez was born in Lynchburg, Va and spent her childhood in Amherst, VA. Her parents were unable to take care of her, so her paternal grandparents became her guardians. Even though her grandparents cared for her, her parents were an important part of her life. Overall, her childhood was happy, but there were several hardships and tragedies. At age 7, an electrical fire destroyed her home and all of her possessions. At age 12, her father passed away, and later, her grandmother passed away 3 weeks before her high school graduation. Despite all of these obstacles, she graduated from high school with a 3.9 GPA and became to first in her family to go to college. She graduated from James Madison University with a BBA in Marketing and a Minor in Music Industry.

She was a mix DJ at WCDX and had bigger plans.

All of her life, she has dared to dream big, and her goal is to become a business mogul and philanthropist. She wants to become internationally known as a DJ and talk to youth and young adults about the importance of education. In addition, she wants major sponsorships and product endorsements and eventually start a marketing consulting company. Later on during her lifetime, she would like to earn a Ph. D. and possibly teach at a university.

Rest In Peace, DJ Peachez.

Bazerk is Back

2009-11-10T11:06:00.004-05:00

That summer tour may not have materialized, but the Son of Bazerk, the cutting edge rap group that released one album in 1991, has reunited. Tony Allen aka Son of Bazerk, is in the studio with longtime Public Enemy DJ Johnny Juice and the original members of SOB. No work on a release date or distribution plans yet.

For those who slept or forgot:

That's so Richmond!

2009-11-07T06:47:00.003-05:00

I haven't ventured out to the clubs in my hometown on a regular basis in years. From the looks of this video, not much has changed.

DJ/Blogger Big Nat fronts this video clip that shows Pretty Rickey getting the official Richmond welcome at a club last night.

Soundbombing Pt 4: Escape from New York

2009-10-29T19:14:00.011-05:00

I'd never seen anything like the performance above by RA The Rugged Man in 1999 and I probably never will. I don't have the words to do it justice, so I won't try. Rugged Man dropped a new CD this week, if your interested.

After a day and half of spending Rupert Murdoch's money and hanging out with hip-hop's elite, it was time for DJ Reese and I to return to day jobs in Richmond. We ordered room service one last time, leaving the waitstaff yet another ridiculous gratuity and before we boarded a van to the airport. Reese pondered whether he owed his contact at Rawkus and apology for exploiting their hospitality while we waited in the airport. This moment marked the end of fun in New York.

My traveling nightmare may not compare to the recent airline snafus that have left passengers stranded in airplanes for hours, but it was a long, uncomfortable journey that got worse as it wore on. Our first flight was  postponed several hours. Then it was cancelled. Then we got another flight to Richmond, but it was leaving from a different airport. The airline put us on a bus to LaGuardia, where we waited for our plane to come. Almost six hours after our planned departure, we were finally in our seats. We were still feeling releived  when plane turned toward the runway and stopped.

The pilot said that a "important device" wasn't functioning properly and we weren't going anywhere until it was fixed A mechanic entered the plane a few moments later and laid on his back in the cockpit, with his toolbox beside him. We found out later "the important device" was the plane's radar, which wasn't getting fixed that night. After the repair attempt, we were taken back to the airport. Reese and I were the last to leave the plane. I  remember turning around and seeing him still in his seat, shaking his head as dragged my gear through the narrow space between the seats.

The airline people put us on another bus. This time, we were going to a hotel where we could stay until the next scheduled flight to Richmond in the morning. The first hotel we went to was booked up. The second hotel was was booked, too. The bus driver took us back to the first hotel and everyone that has been on plane spread out in the lobby. Some slept in chairs, others in restaurant booths. I found a sofa in the lobby. Just a few hours before, I was in a five star hotel ordering room service and watching cable television. Now, here I was trying to sleep in a semi-public area a few inches from the floor.

If there was a moral to this story, I've misplaced it, along with an expired voucher from US Airways.

Bombing the Sound Pt. 3

2009-10-12T19:07:00.007-05:00

The next chapter in the story might not be worth the wait, I think the footage above of Pharoahe Monch and Shabaam Sahdeeq is an acceptable consolation. The asthmatic former member of Organized Konfusion spits the first verse of "WW II" twice, after his first delivery left the audience shell shocked. Don't you wish he would rhyme like he used to? (Monch is revisiting his early days this weekend.)

So where was I? Oh, yeah. DJ Reese and I were headed to the NY office of Loud Records where a young lady owed him a favor. We were going to the Soundbombing 2 concert and this was supposed to be a quick stop on the way While he and the record company person settled up, I was left in what might have been the meeting room for Loud. But I wasn't alone. There were rappers in there.

I wasn't a fan of Dead Prez then and I still don't own any of their material. So hanging out with the revolutionary gangsta duo wasn't on my "things to do while in New York" list. But here they were, just sitting there and I had nothing to say. I was hoping whatever business DJ Reese was taking care of wouldn't take long and we would on our way to the Bowery Ballroom to see Mos Def and 'nem. Then I heard the words that make rap critics cringe.

"You wanna hear our new shit?"

I'm sure my facial expression said "Not Really" or "Get me out of here," but I gave the polite answer and braced myself for some uncomfortable moments. I wasn't prepared for what happened next. I liked their music. All of it. They must've played the majority of what would become "Let's Get Free," and I was feeling every track. We chatted for a few minutes afterward and they considered heading to the concert, but I didn't see them there. DJ Reese finally returned, mysterious mission accomplished, and we were on our way.

Bombing The Sound Pt. 2

2009-09-26T07:08:00.004-05:00

This is the second installment about first trip to New York on the music industry's dime.
Rawkus, the label that put out Soundbombing 2, put us up in a swank hotel in midtown New York. Since it was my partner Maurice's room and hook-up, I didn't want to rack up charges on his bill, I started to give them my credit card information. The clerk wouldn't take my card and told me there was already an account set up for the room. The name on the card was "Fox Inc." For awhile Maurice and I thought their was some mistake, then we remembered there was some connection between the Fox and Rawkus.

We made good use of Rupert Murdoch's money. We ordered breakfast, lunch and dinner and tipped the staff exuberantly. I remember racking up the long distance calls, calling friends and family, saying stuff like, "Guess where I'm at ..."

But this trip wasn't just about the perks. We were there to see the Soundbombing 2 concert and Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, Pharaoh Monche and airbody else from that album were on the bill. But before we could go to the show, Maurice had to make a quick stop that would leave me in a tight spot.

Roc Raida Dies

2009-09-19T14:37:00.003-05:00

Busta Rhymes personal DJ and X-exuctioners members Roc Raida died today. The pioneering DJ was reportedly admitted to a hospital for a spinal injury, but an official cause of death has not been released.

Chris Brown at your Service, Richmond

2009-09-17T06:15:00.002-05:00

Don't Call it a Comeback Concert

2009-09-09T19:17:00.006-05:00

D'angelo, according to a source close to the singer, will not be performing at an after party for the Video Music Awards. A post on ticketalternative.com claims that the reclusive singer along with "Tony S. Soulfinger Sam, Herbert Holler & Marc Smooth" will perform at New York night spot called the Country Club. The site also says the show is sold out.

I've never been to Country Club or met Soulfinger Sam, but I would wager that there a better places and company in which to stage a return to the music game after nearly a decade between album releases.

Expect an official denial and refund demands shortly.

UPDATE: D'angelo's manager denies that the singer is performing in New York this summer.

Ya Still Tellin' Lies to Me

2009-09-03T06:18:00.009-05:00

There are quite a few doctors in the music game, Dr. Dre, Dr. Ice, Dr. Demento. But it's uncommon for a musician to actually become a legit doctor of philosophy or medicine. Perhaps that's why a story about a underground rap artist who went on to graduate from Cornell on the music industry's dime was so charming.

This Slate.com expose on Roxanne Shanté says her story broke this summer, but I recall hearing about it on the interwebs awhile back. It was a rare tale of a woman taking control of her destiny and exploiting the music industry in order to live her dreams. But now it seems Shanté's rap was just lies.

Shanté has been telling the world how she used a clause in her Warner Records recording contract go to college, eventually earning a Ph.D. She has alleged that she's used her degree and experience to create a hip-hop therapy clinic. A moving story of redemption and determination for an artist whose career had been ruined in part, by one line from rival MC KRS-ONE. (If you don't know this line, ask somebody who has actually bought records in a record store in the 1980s or listen here around 1:50.) But the real story is much more complicated.

According to Slate, Warner Records says it never had a contract with Shanté, and it was not obligated to pay for her education. Shanté—real name Lolita Shanté Gooden—doesn't have a Ph.D. from Cornell or anywhere else. Indeed, she admitted it in an interview with Slate. And Cornell has no record of Gooden (or "Shanté") ever attending or receiving a degree. According to Marymount Manhattan College records, Shanté enrolled there but dropped out less than four months later without ever earning a degree.

New York state records indicate that no one named Lolita Gooden or Roxanne Shanté is licensed to practice psychology or any related field.

The rapper claims she graduated from another college, not Cornell, under another name. When told this school has no record of her graduation, she blames it on a "computer error?" Or perhaps it was Untouchable Force Organization, up to their old tricks again.

Chris Brown Doesn't Remember Beating Rhi-Rhi

2009-08-31T07:20:00.002-05:00

The full interview airs Wednesday on the Larry King Show on CNN.

Nas talks to Nardwuar

2009-08-27T21:01:00.004-05:00

It's not easy to get a rap artist to expand beyond their stock answers and prepared comments. This guy finds a way, but at what cost?

Bombing The Sound

2009-08-19T20:17:00.005-05:00

Back when indie rap lable Rawkus was flush with street cred and Fox, Inc. cash, I talked them into flying me to New York for the Soundbombing 2 release party/concert. They booked us on a small plane that left me and my partner DJ Reese shook ones. Our ride back would also be ... problematic.

DJ Reese was on the radio back then and had better connects than I did. While I could only swing airfare from the record company, he had a hotel room and some other perks. But when he said there would be a man with a card with his name on it waiting for us at the airport, I didn't believe him. Sure enough, when we got off the plane, we didn't see the man or the card. Resse made a call (I remember it was from a pay phone. Damn, this is an old story.) and within a few minutes a man with a card appeared and took us to a ... limousine.

Reese and I were like Arnold and Willis Jackson in that ride, rolling the windows up and down, taking pictures and (watch out 'deah now) talking on the car phone. Could it get any better than this?

More about this trip later. Above is some of the footage from the concert, featuring Sadat X and Common doing "1-9-9-9."[

Rapper Baatin of Slum Village Dies

2009-08-02T08:57:00.003-05:00

Detroit's hip hop community lost another pivotal member this weekend. Baatin, a founding member of Slum Village, died yesterday. The rapper, who had recently rejoined the group, was found dead on a Detroit street after leaving a cookout. The cause of death is unknown.

The 35-year-old rapper's death, follows the unfortunate demise of two other major players in the Detroit scene. Rapper Proof, of D12, was shot to death outside a Detroit nightclub in August of 2006. Former Slum Village member Jay Dila, also died in 2006, from cardiac arrest.

The Not So Fast and Furious

2009-07-24T18:56:00.009-05:00

Ice Cube starred in "Torque," a box office bomb that borrowed heavily from the hugely successful "The Fast and Furious." Both movies feature rappers-turnt-actors in major roles and have the characters head for Mexico when things get tough. It shouldn't come as a surprise that Neal H. Moritz, produced both films.

Fortunately I never had to suffer through this flick. Former Wavelength host Yasmine Weaver was flown to Los Angeles back in 2004 to see a preview of the film and meet the people who should be held partly responsible for it's lack of merit.

Cube was so irrelavant as a rap artist at this time, Yaz doesn't even bother to bring it up. She does mention a shot to the face he took on the set of the film, which finally gets the stone-faced O'Shea Jackson to loosen up a bit.

Chris Brown says he's "sorry"

2009-07-20T18:17:00.002-05:00

Who believes him?

The Day Has Come, I Guess

2009-07-14T20:46:00.005-05:00

Like murder, there is no statute of limitations on sampling. That's why Lonnie Lynn can be sued today for using the music of songwriters Andrew Andrew Marks and London McDaniels, on his debut album, nearly 20 years ago. I guess the recession has songwriters in a pinch, too.

The song, "Take it EZ," was the top single from "Can I Borrow A Dollar," one of two albums the Chicago rapper did under his original name, before a legal claim from a reggae band forced him to drop "Sense."

The original song, by a group called Rasa, follows.

Steve Harvey knows what boys want

2009-07-05T21:49:00.003-05:00

Since being crowned a king of comedy and starring in the long-running sitcom, "The Steve Harvey Show," Steve Harvey has kept busy. His current day job is hosting a syndicated morning radio program, "The Steve Harvey Morning Show." I guess he saves his creativity for his jokes and doesn't waste it on coming up with cute titles for his projects.

Harvey is also known for his popular book on relationships, "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man." During this brief exchange with former Wavelength host Yasmine Weaver, the comedian gets serious when he talks about what boys want and what girls need to know about them.

So We Can Rock Forever

2009-07-02T20:45:00.005-05:00

The death of Micheal Jackson has been hard to process. Like all seventies babies, I haven't lived in world without Mike and his sudden death has me a little shook. I've found some comfort remembering what comedian Lucille Ball's daughter said after her mother died.

Lucie Arnaz said that for fans of her mother's work on radio,television and films, her mother wasn't dead. She would continue to be there for them the way she always had and they could enjoy her jokes and pratfalls forever. Death wouldn't change the wacky readhead's relationship with her fans. While she had lost a mother, the people who appreciated her mother's artistry hadn't lost anything. They still had their Lucy.

If Micheal Jackson were alive, it's unlikely that we would've seen him complete those 50 show. It's also unlikely that we would've heard any new music from the King of Hype anytime soon. Micheal Jackson hadn't followed up the unlistenable "Invincible," 8 years after its release and had no record deal at the time of his death. He wasn't coming with anything but promises.

Now that Micheal is gone, we can reflect on his legacy and finally hear some of the music that has been locked away for years. An expert on the marketing of dead celebrities suggest that Micheal Jackson may be worth more than Elvis. He added that MJ may become the most profitable fallen star of all time, surpassing the current leader, Lucille Ball.

The Thriller is Gone

2009-06-25T17:35:00.002-05:00

Hammer's Words to Third Bass

2009-06-21T08:25:00.010-05:00

MC Hammer finally addresses a story MC Serch of the defunct rap group Third Bass has been telling for years. Although he doesn't confirm or deny what happened, Mr. Stanley Burrell's careful word choice and knowledge about the trio's commercial in impact is revealing.

For those who don't have dog-eared copies of The Source magazines in their attic sealed in plastic containers, the story went something like this. Serch, along with members of Run-DMC, (members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame who Hammer dissed at least twice) abashed Hammer with their song and video,"The Gas Face." In the clip, an over sized hammer with eyeglasses is toppled and carried away as Hammer is dissed for about ten seconds straight. Also, on their debut, "The Cactus Album," they rapped "the cactus turned Hammer's mother out."

In certain communities, speaking ill about someone's mother is an invitation for violent confrontation. Since MC Serch and Pete Nice, as white boys, were visitors with passes in the hip-hop world, this might seem like a rather bold and unnecessary insult, in retrospect. Actually, it was more of the clever wordplay that filled the duo's first record that made it so appealing. "Turn this Mutha Out," was a single from from Ham's second album, "Let's Get it Started." They weren't talking about his mom, but his music.

Getting Done
According to legend, that's not how the Hammer saw it. The former Oakland A's batboy allegedly called a Def Jam executive and said, "Don't send your boys to Cali. They're gonna get done." As much as Serch lampooned Hammer and his music, this time the dancing man in the baggy pants and space goggles was taken seriously.

In the above interview with allhiphop.com, Hammer says "It's ridiculous that you [Serch], want that [the alleged contract on his life] to be your claim to fame." It's hard to characterize this comment as a denial of the sequence of events Serch has shared. He could of killed (whoops) the issue once and for all, just by saying it never happened. But he didn't.

Hammer goes on: "I didn't know who that dude was ... " Well, if he didn't know then, he certainly did his research, as Hammer is able to pull estimated sales figures for Third Bass albums out of thin air. Predictably, he considers himself above discussion about the group, as his platinum-selling titles dwarf their "wood" status. (Actually Stanley, wiki lists two of the three Third Bass albums as "gold.")

Please, Hammer Don't Hurt 'em
Was Serch's story about a supposed hit legit? It's hard to say. Hammer made pop rap, but he is from a rough section of East Oakland. He also hung out with Suge Knight and flirted with a gangsta image while signed to Death Row. But this is same artist who made gospel rap with a group called "Holy Boys" before he blew up and is now a minister. Death threats certainly aren't very Christian. What I can't get past is why Serch would think creating a story about being threatened by a pop rapper would enhance his reputation.

20 years later, who's ahead?
So where are they now? Who's making the best use of that rapper's pension fund and trying to take their 15 minutes of fame into overtime? In the interest of allowing us all to sleep better at night, I've taken a look at this issue.

Artistry
Third Bass rhymed circles around MC Hammer back then. Their disses of him were clever, artful and humiliating. Yeah, I would've been mad too, Ham. Their music holds up pretty well, but you might not realize it as it's seldom heard on the radio. With only three releases, their catalog is considerably smaller than Hammer's, but it doesn't contain the missteps and screw-ups that his does. Pumps and Bump anyone? Hip-hop purists viewed much of Hammer's work as treasonous back in the day, but in retrospect and in comparison to today's ring tone rap, it really isn't that bad. I kind of like this one, in a nostalgic sort of way. But if the aim of the game is to create compelling work that holds its value years afterward, and I think it is, Third Bass knocks this one out of the park.

Long Ball
Airbody knows Hammer squandered millions of dollars on elaborate stage shows and funky pompadour hairdos for his 32 back up dancers. But his biggest mistake might have been not retaining the publishing rights to his hit records. It's a terrible and unfortunate situation when an artist has to part with the music that they made. This is part of the reason has to humble himself with self-effacing commercials like this one.

and this ...

Serch's catalog may not be filled with platinum hits that are part of the popular culture landscape, but it hasn't changed hands. Not only does the rapper retain the rights to his own music, he owns other artists' music, including Nas' "Illmatic," which is considered one of the greatest hip hop records of all time. Jay-Z made note of this during his feud with the Queensbridge rapper, reminding him that when he sampled Nas' voice he paid "Serchlite Publishing."

The rap careers of Serch and his partner Pete Nice seem to be over, but Hammer never stopped releasing music, even if you didn't care. He's put out three albums since 2000 and shows no signs of stopping. Serch's most recent release consisted of unreleased music from the 1990's, which succeeded in proving that there is a reason why some songs never come out. Hammer might not hit like he used to, but he keeps swinging, while Third Bass can't step up to the plate.

Both Serch and Hammer have worked in the post-career graveyard of reality television, but only one of them has their own show that airs on A&E Sunday nights. The reality is Hammer is a rare pop icon who can appear on the Today Show and allhiphop.com while MC Serch and Pete Nice are largely forgotten rappers. A tarnished image beats no image. Score one for Hammer.

Final tally: 1-1. Tie goes to the running man.

Kansas Just Don't Understand?

2009-06-08T19:21:00.004-05:00

Skillz and DJ Jazzy Jeff had their show at Kansas City Power & Light District Saturday night cut short. The dj and the rapper say the powers that be in the club didn't want to hear any hip-hop music. The event organizers claim that Jazzy Jeff ignored requests to turn down his sound and they cut the show to save their speakers.

Skillz gives his version of events in the video above.

Bruno Crash Lands on Eminem

2009-06-01T06:35:00.005-05:00

MTV Shows

It's a matter of debate of whether Marshall Mathers (Eminem) agreed to let Sasha Cohen, performing as his "Bruno" character, land on his lap ass up at the MTV Movie Awards last night.

Em hardly needs the publicity and his sensitivity is well-noted after he mushed a puppet that insulted him at the same award show, so I find it hard to imagine him agreeing to an idea such as this. What do you think?

UPDATE: It was all planned.

Bazerk in the Studio

2009-05-29T20:52:00.004-05:00

If and when Son of Bazerk returns to the stage, they might have some new songs to perform. The group is in reportedly the studio with DJ Johnny Juice in New York.

Juice is one of the unsung heroes of the Public Enemy phenomenon, playing the background while bringing the noise to P.E. recording sessions. The other P.E. producers, the Bomb Squad were responsible for most of the bands combustible debut, "Bazerk Bazerk Bazerk," on Soul/MCA.

Dolla's Family Speaks Out

2009-05-22T17:46:00.001-05:00

The family of slain rapper Dolla released this statement today:

“First and foremost we, the Burton family would like to thank everyone for all their kind thoughts and prayers during these trying times,” the statement reads. “Most recently, the Burton family was made aware that there have been numerous false claims of information floating around the ‘net and also reported in reputable media outlets. Part of this was due to someone who was not authorized to speak on the family’s behalf and who claimed to be the publicist of record decided to disseminate false information on her own and without the consent of the family to several media outlets.

“Due to the circumstances of the situation no other information will be released at this time. We are grateful for your continued support in these trying times. We now ask everyone to allow us to mourn the loss of our beloved Roderick Anthony Burton.”

Rapper Dolla Dead

2009-05-19T17:37:00.005-05:00

Dolla, shown here with DJ Lonnie Battle during a Richmond, Va. appearance at Pearl Lounge, was shot and killed yesterday. The rapper was slain while waiting for a ride at the Beverly Center mall in Los Angeles.

The rapper was signed to Akon's label in 2007, and was in L.A. to put the finishing touches on his oft-delayed debut.

Dolla was part of the Konvict Entertainment family and an incredible artist. This is a senseless crime and the industry has lost a real talent. Our heart goes out to his family, friends, and fans,” Akon said in a released statement.

Clipse of Reality

2009-05-01T23:26:00.005-05:00

In the above video, Malice, of The Clipse, all but confesses that the cocaine raps that they put out for young minds to consume, may not have been true stories. As that guy used to say on This Week In Baseball, "How 'bout that?" While this admission is not surprising, the fact that he made it is.

“There’s a lot of foolishness in hip-hop as my grandmother would say,” he said. “And I just want to say that I am and have been a part of the problem, the thing about it is I need foolishness in my hip-hop, I need foolishness in my movies. I happen to like that."

Given that Malice likes dwelling on foolishness, it's a safe bet that the duo will continue telling lies to our wives and children with their next release. But they may be on the hunt for new source material. Their manager was recently indicted for allegedly operating a large drug ring in Virginia.

The Chain and the Star

2009-04-13T22:01:00.003-05:00

It didn't take long for rap veterans Guru and DJ Premier to gauge that former Wavelength host Yasmine wasn't well-versed on their career. The duo takes over this 2003 interview, tag-teaming on talking points, which means this interview is probably like many they did that day, but who cares? It's Gangstarr.

After the "The Ownerz," the album that duo is shelling in this interview, Gangstarr broke up and nobody really knows why. I can't put my finger on it, but some ingredient that was in there other albums just wasn't there on the last one. I love their other music so much that I wondered if, perhaps, the problem was on my end. After repeated listens, I officially cleared myself. If a reunion is going to bring more music like that, maybe I can learn to live in world without a new Gangstarr album.

The status of the duo's relationship was the subject of April Fool's Day cartoon, which would've been funnier if it didn't ring so true.

This was the group's first time meeting Yasmine, but their second appearance on Wavelength. You can read a transcript of that interview here and there.

Kings in the Hall

2009-04-05T07:10:00.003-05:00

If you read DMC's account of his days with Run and Jam Master Jay, you probably remembered how it all ended. Shortly after the death of Jam Master Jay, Run announced the end of the group at a press conference. This was news to hip hop fans around the globe and to DMC, as Run hadn't informed him of his plans until that moment. Since then, there have been reports that their relationship has been cordial but icy, as they only communicate via text message regarding business matters.

It wasn't Eminem's awkward induction speech that had me on the verge of tears this morning, but seeing Daryl and Joseph exchange friendly glances and a genuine embrace before walking on stage. It may never be the same between them and we may never see RUN-Dmc rock another crowd, but at least for last night they were friends again.

via nahright.com

Rah Rah Rah

2009-03-29T10:13:00.008-05:00

Rah Digga was the brightest star in the Flipmode Squad, a name that Busta Rhymes gave to his friends and family who wanted to become rappers but would settle for just hanging out with him. The crew of weed carriers has dwindled down to four members, with rappers like Digga, Rampage, Papoose and Lord Have Mercy leaving the group to struggle on their own.

We met Rah at Willie's Record Store in Richmond back in 2000. Although this clip catches her on a bad hair day, in the right light, Rashia Fisher is an strikingly beautiful woman. "That's me," she said with a laugh that day as she signed pictures of herself looking slightly more fabulous. Along with revealing her fresh face, Rah shared with us her uncommon orgin, which includes private school and a stint as an egineering student.

The Willie's store is now a Radio Shack. Rah Digga is reportedly signed to "The Inc." as part of a suspergroup with Vita and Charlie Baltimore. It's hard to say which is the better look.

The McNer*d Dance

2009-03-25T19:05:00.005-05:00

Tennis shoe pimp and rock star wannabe Pharrell attempted to persuade a Paris McDonald's to open early recently by giving them a impromptu and unwanted mini-concert. I guess if Hammer could dance for popcorn chicken back in the day, this school teacher's son can humiliate himself for a couple of McNuggets. Although the money is probably long gone, at least Hammer got paid for his fast food shuffle.

Although he and his psuedo rock group, N*E*R*D, never appeared on Wavelength, the failed video show that inspired this blog, I did run into Skateboard P a couple times while doing business. The first time I saw him he was performing onstage at Flood Zone, a defunct Richmond nightspot. He and a couple of other guys were wearing matching flowered shirts and talking over a couple beats they had produced, Noreaga's "Superthug" and MC Lyte's "I Can't Make a Mistake." The crowd was polite but unimpressed. Later that evening, I was shooting Wavelength at another club when I was tapped on the shoulder.

"What's this?" he asked.

"I'm shooting my video show," I said.

"I want to be on this."

"Alright," I said and went back to setting up my shot.

"I want to be on this," he repeated.

"Well, you can't be on it right now," I said. "I'm shooting."

I guess the "P" doesn't stand for patience. He walked away from me and went on to become a successful producer and popular recording artist.

Wavelength Goes to the Movies

2009-03-12T21:28:00.006-05:00

At the height of our irrelevance, Wavelength was among a handful of music shows that were invited to a series of press days for urban films in New York and California. A movie studio paid for my train ride to New York, (I never fly to New York. That's another story.), put me up in the W Hotel and gave me a per diem. All I had to do was watch a movie and chat with a few celebrities. It was the best of times.

Like much of the music that arrived in Wavelength offices during that time, I realized I wasn't the target audience for the film "Love Don't Cost A Thing." So I sat out the interviews and let Yasmine, who had moved from Richmond to New Jersey by then, to do her thing. In this clip, Yasmine talks to Nick Cannon, who after failing as a rapper, may have found his true calling as Mariah Carey's purse holder and bodyguard.

Yasmine wants you to man up

2009-03-06T18:13:00.005-05:00

Every now and again someone wants to know whatever happened to former Wavelength host Yasmine. I got a message from her today to check out her article in Man Up magazine. As she's dabbled as a journalist, I was expecting to read something. But this is not that kind of article. Looking good, Yasmine.

The Coup on the Boulevard

2009-03-02T12:33:00.006-05:00

It was a rare to have a national rap act as a studio guest for Wavelength, the failed video show that inspired this blog. A convergence of events had to happen; the rapper had to be on a promo tour or in town for a concert, they had to be in Richmond on a Wednesday, they had to be available between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and they had to decipher my perplexing directions to the studio.

After getting stuck in an endless loop of toll booths, The Coup finally made it to the studio for a brief interview. There were supposed to perform, but we didn't have the tables at the 918 N. Boulevard studio that day. I'm sure we missed a treat if Pam is as half as good as she says she is. We came up short in other ways that day, too. We could have used another 2 to 3 feet of our painted canvas backdrop, another microphone and somebody, anybody to work the cameras. That was public access television, you go with what you got. Or don't got.

Boots Riley, the lead rapper of the The Coup, now a duo, was in Virginia last year where was charged with using profanity in public after leaving the stage of a Norfolk concert. Defunct Hampton Roads news magazine Portfolio Weekly covered the story. The charges were eventually dropped and the city council rescinded the ant-profanity ordinance after realizing it was a bunch of bullshit.

Chris Brown & Rihanna ... now what?

2009-03-01T07:11:00.006-05:00

According to People.com, Chris Brown and Rihanna are together again and staying at one of P. Diddy's home in Miami. (I assume it's not the same one where he's twittering while in the midst of a tantric sex marathon.) I can't think of another time where the old domestic violence scenario (guy meets girl, guy beats girl, guy loses girl, guy gets girl back) has played out on the pop culture stage. I hope this unfortunate situation inspires parents to talk with their daughters about "nice guys" who speak with their fists. It's sad, but I think we know where their relationship will goes from here. But what about their careers?

Professionally, Chris Brown is a pariah. Wrigley spit him out as their pitchman and the milk mustache people have wiped him off their list of promoters. His next film is "Bone Deep," but you wouldn't know it, because they've erased his image from all of the promotional materials. Radio stations have banned his music and former fans have been seen grinding his CDs into the asphalt. Some celebrities spoke out in his defense, but backed off after getting a taste of the bad press that Brown is generating. (What's going on with you, Terence Howard?) Anyone who rides with Chris Brown, who was last seen on a jet ski, is putting their career in jeopardy. This includes you, Ri Ri.

Since news of the assault broke, Rihanna's CD sales reportedly went up 35 percent. I don't expect she'll see a similar bump now that she's seen as an enabler as well as a victim. But unlike her boyfriend, she can walk away and start fresh whenever she wants ... if she wants.

Pop music fans are fickle. The memory of Rihanna's battered face will fade and if Brown is never charged, all could be forgotten ... by some. If Brown is able to return to making mediocre pop music, he'll be subject to unwelcome questions from the media, protests and threats for quite some time. Sort of like what awaits Michael Vick in a few months. Chris Brown may not go to jail but he won't get his life back.

Image via Mavrixonline

She's a Lady

2009-02-23T20:29:00.004-05:00

Lady Sovereign - So Human

After her on-stage meltdown in 2007, I thought pint-sized UK rapper Lady Sovereign was down for the count. The young spitter showed promise on her Def Jam debut, "Public Warning," with songs like "Those Were the Days." But things fell apart as she complained about being broke, the United States and not wanting to perform at a show in New York. Instead of leaving the stage, she stood there while the people who paid to see her rap watched her unravel. (The video has been removed from the youtubes by the people who do such things.) She managed to collect herself enough to continue the tour, but was off the radar for much of 2008.

Since Lily Allen seems to have given up rapping, the white girl lane in hip-hop is clear and the "SOV" is back. I kinda like it.

"Hammertime" for reality TV

2009-02-17T22:55:00.004-05:00

MC Hammer won't go away. Although he hasn't had a hit record in ages, the dancer/rapper continues to find ways to creep into the public consciousness. Hammer a.k.a Stanley Burrell was last seen during the Super Bowl telling us how easy it is to turn our golden household items into cash money. Aside from his work in commercials, which often trades on his riches-to-rags life story, he's also been a role player on reality shows. Now, it's time for the Oakland rapper to take center stage. "Hammertime," a reality show about the dancer and his family, is being produced by A&E and will premiere later this year.

The show will feature Hammer, his wife and their brood: daughter Akieba, 21, nephew Jamarius, 18, daughter Sarah, 15, Stanley Jr, 13, aka Boobie, nephew Meschek, 12, Jeremiah, 10, and 3-year old Samuel.

"Each week we'll open our home to viewers to showcase the hectic pace of our lives and our eclectic family ..." said MC Hammer.

"Hammertime" is produced by 3 Ball Productions Inc., the people responsible for the reality shows "Biggest Loser" and "Beauty and the Gee." J.D Roth, Todd Nelson and MC Hammer are executive producers. Executive Producers for A&E are Robert Sharenow, Scott Lonker and former Wavelength cameraman Stephen Harris.

What Chris Brown Will Do Next

2009-02-10T19:58:00.003-05:00

Now that singer-turnt-alleged assailant Chris Brown has found himself in such an unfavorable situation that he'd be willing to trade place with one of the townies in Tappahannock, Va., it's time for the fast dancer to make a move. Here's what I think might happen in the coming days.

Chris Breezy will announce he has voluntarily enrolled in anger management classes. He'll also mention that he plans to donate some loot to a battered woman's shelter. Then, he'll issue a vague statement, that kind of sounds like an apology, but really isn't. It may go something like this: "I regret that my actions have put those I love in bad positions, I'm just a young man who makes mistakes, I was an abused child, my dog ran away, blah blah blah."

If all that is followed up with a hot album and he "beats" the court case, Chris Brown can come back. But if those pictures of Rhi-Rhi looking like Randall "Tex" Cobb ever come out, it might not matter. He can throw in some chopped meat and diced tomatoes and put it on a plate. 'Cause it's a wrap.

Welcome Home John Forte

2009-01-28T20:03:00.002-05:00

Playing with Fame

2009-01-26T22:41:00.004-05:00

I've never heard a complete song by Marques Houston, Immature or Imx and I probably never will. That's part of the reason why I handed over the hosting duties of Wavelength, the video show I produced for more than a decade and came to naught, to a younger person. Yasmine seems really comfortable with Mr. Houston in this clip, as if she didn't have to do her homework for this one. Maybe she once had a poster of Romeo, LDB and Batman over her bed. Immature was pretty huge back in the day, as I remember.

On this Wavelength appearance from 2003, Houston offers a humorous explanation for the group's demise and talks about working with R. Kelly and his manager Chris Stokes, both men who have a fondness for hanging with the youngsters. The singer followed his first album "MH," which he discusses here, up with two more albums, including his 2007 release "Veteran," which debuted at #1 on the Hip-Hop/R&B charts. It would appear that the career trajectory former this pop idol has traveled a direction inverse from what I would have predicted. But if you're judged by the company you keep, the singer might have already peaked.

Houston is one of the "stars" (The show will also feature Kel Mitchell, Bobby Brown and Keshia Knight-Pulliam) tied to BET's new reality show "Played by Fame," which premieres on Friday. The show pairs celebreties with fans, who become the victims of pranks played by the semi-famous. In BET's hands, I'm sure this show will be much worse than it sounds.

Notorious is the Illest

2009-01-23T09:16:00.005-05:00

Finally got around to seeing "Notorious," last night. It's a solid film. The legacy of Christopher Wallace hasn't always been treated with reverence it deserves (Duets and Born Again) so a project like this "Notorious," had little room for error. Fortunately, the errors are little in this well-constructed and provocative biographical film directed by George Tillman (Men of Honor, Soul Food).

The majority of the cast, especially the actor who plays Biggie, Jamal "Gravy" Woolard, succeeds in their portrayal of famous personalities and making you care about what happens to them, even though you know how it all ends. Angela Bassett inhabits the spirit of Voletta Wallace, bringing the dignity and grace to the role that you would expect. Anthony Mackie and Derek Luke are horribly miscast as Tupac Shakur and Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, however.

Missteps aside, this is a good film that's worth a trip to the barbershop or movie theater near you.